Chopping: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used when you need to break something into pieces with quick, forceful movements, often with an axe or a large knife. Commonly used in cooking or when describing cutting wood.

• He was chopping wood for the fireplace.
• She is chopping onions for the soup.

A more general term used when separating or dividing something into pieces using a sharp tool. Can apply to various contexts like cooking, crafting, or even medical situations.

• Please cut the cake into eight pieces.
• He cut his finger while opening the package.

Used when cutting something into thin, flat pieces, usually with a smooth motion. Commonly used with bread, fruits, and vegetables.

• Slice the bread for the sandwiches.
• She sliced the cucumber very thin.

Primarily used in cooking when cutting food into small, uniform cubes.

• Dice the tomatoes and add them to the salad.
• The recipe calls for diced carrots.

Used when cutting food into very small pieces. Often used with foods like herbs, garlic, or meat.

• Mince the garlic before adding it to the sauce.
• The ground beef needs to be minced for the meatballs.

Used when talking about cutting something into smaller pieces, typically using a large knife or axe. Commonly associated with cooking or woodwork.

• She was chopping carrots for the soup.
• He spent the afternoon chopping firewood.

A general term for dividing or opening something with a sharp tool. It can be used in a wide variety of situations, from cooking to surgery, and does not specify the manner (e.g., precise, rough) of the action.

• She is cutting the paper with scissors.
• He tried cutting the fabric with a sharp knife.

Involves dividing something into two or more parts, usually by applying force. It is often used for materials like wood, logs, or any solid object that can be divided along a line or plane.

• He was splitting logs for the fireplace.
• The cell begins the process of splitting during mitosis.

Refers to splitting or cutting something with a strong, forceful action. It often implies a precise, clean cut, or something being done with great impact. This word can sometimes carry a dramatic or serious tone.

• The butcher was cleaving the meat with a single, powerful stroke.
• The knight cleaved his way through the battle.